American Journal of Engineering Research (AJER) 2019

American Journal of Engineering Research (AJER)

e-ISSN: 2320-0847 p-ISSN : 2320-0936
Volume-9, Issue-4, pp-241-249
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Research Paper Open Access

Simplified Uniaxial Column Interaction Charts

Mohammed S. Al-Ansari1, Muhammad S. Afzal2*
1(Professor, Department of Civil and Architectural Engineering, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar)
2(Teaching Assistant, Department of Civil and Architectural Engineering, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar)
*Corresponding Author : Mohammed S. Al-Ansari

ABSTRACT :This paper presents analytical method for generating the interaction diagrams for design of
reinforced concrete (RC) columns. Due to the introduction of new classes in concrete compressive strength
(𝒇′𝒄 )with somewhat different parameters for the steel grades (𝑓𝑦 ), it has become necessary to develop new
interaction diagrams. These proposed interaction diagrams take into consideration the different values of
gamma (𝜸), concrete compressive strength (𝒇′𝒄 ) and different steel reinforcement ratios (ρ). The interaction
diagram of any desire level of gamma (𝛾) can be generated to find the required axial load capacity (Pc) and
moment capacity (Mc) of the columns with different reinforcement ratios. This study also analyzed some
numerical examples using the proposed interaction charts to find the values of Pc and Mc for the uniaxial
columns and their results obtained are later compared with the computer software (SP-Column). The data
obtained from Interaction charts showed a promising result as the values are quite close to the ones obtained
from the computer software.
KEYWORDS: Uniaxial columns, Interaction charts, Axial load capacity, Moment capacity.
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Date of Submission:30-03-2019 Date of acceptance: 13-04-2019
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I. INTRODUCTION
Columns are the vertical compression members, which transmit loads from the upper floors to the
lower levels and to the soil through the foundations [1]. Based on the position of the load on the cross section,
columns are classified as concentrically loaded, Figure 1, or eccentrically loaded, Figure 2.

Eccentrically loaded columns are subjected to moments, in addition to axial force. The moments can be
converted to a load P and eccentricity eX and eY. The moments can be uniaxial, as in the case when two adjacent
panels are not similarly loaded, such as columns A and B in Figure 3.

The strength of reinforced concrete columns is determined using the following principles:

1. A linear strain distribution exists across the thickness of the column

2. There is no slippage between the concrete and the steel
3. The concrete strain at failure for strength calculations is set equal to 0.003mm/mm.
4. The tensile resistance of the concrete is negligible and disregarded

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Figure 1: Concentrically Loaded columns Figure 2: Eccentrically Loaded Column

Figure 3: Uniaxially and Biaxially Loaded column

The strength of reinforced concrete columns is usually expressed using interaction diagrams [2] to
relate the design axial load ∅𝑷𝒏 to the design bending moment ∅𝑴𝒏 . Figure 4 explains the control points for the
column interaction curve (∅𝑃𝑛 − ∅𝑀𝑛 ). Each point on the curve represents one combination of design axial load
∅Pn and design bending moment ∅𝑀𝑛 corresponding to a neutral-axis location. The interaction diagram is
separated into a tension control region and a compression control region. The balanced condition occurs when
the failure develops simultaneously in tension (i.e., steel yielding) and in compression (concrete crushing).

Figure 4: Control Points for Colum Interaction Curve (∅𝑃𝑛 − ∅𝑀𝑛 ) [3]

In this study, the proposed expressions for generating the interaction diagram for RC column are discussed.
These interaction diagrams will also take into consideration the different values of gamma (𝜸) , concrete
compressive strength (𝒇′𝒄 ) and different steel reinforcement ratio (ρ). Numerical examples will also be analyzed
using the interaction charts to find the values of Pc and Mc and their results will later be compared with the
computer software (SP- Column) [9].

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II. INTERACTION CHARTS FORMULATION – ACI CODE DESIGN

The stress and strain distribution of a rectangular column section for the calculation of Pu and Mu is given in
Figure 5, [10-11].

Figure 5: Calculation of Pu and Mu for given strain distribution

The resultant force PN is equal to the summation of all internal forces.

𝑷𝑵 = 𝑪𝑪𝒐𝒏 − 𝑻𝒔 + 𝑪𝑺
Similarly, the resultant Moment MN is equal to the summation of all internal moments.

𝑴𝑵 = 𝑴𝒄𝒐𝒏𝒄 + 𝑴𝑻 + 𝑴𝑪𝑺
Following steps revealed the calculation of the required internal forces and internal moments.
1. Plain Concrete Section:
𝑪𝒄𝒐𝒏𝒄 = 𝟎. 𝟖 × (𝟎. 𝟖𝟓 𝐟𝐜′ 𝐛 𝐚)
𝑪𝒄𝒐𝒏𝒄 = 𝟎. 𝟔𝟖 𝐟𝐜′ 𝐜 𝐛 𝛃𝐜 (1)
where;
𝑪𝒄𝒐𝒏𝒄 = Internal concrete compression force
𝒇′𝒄 = Compressive concrete strength
b = Column width
a = Depth of the compression stress block
β = 0.85-0.008 (𝐟𝐜′ – 30) ≥ 0.65
c = Distance from extreme compression fiber to neutral axis

Referring to the Figure 5, the moment about the midpoint of the section (𝐌𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐜 ) can be computed as;
𝒉 𝒂
𝑴𝒄𝒐𝒏𝒄 = 𝑪𝒄 ( − )
𝟐 𝟐
𝒉 𝒂
𝑴𝒄𝒐𝒏𝒄 = 𝟎. 𝟔𝟖 𝒇′𝒄 𝒃 𝒂 ( − ) (2)
𝟐 𝟐
The 𝛂𝟏 and 𝛃𝟏 values for the plain concrete section are calculated as;
𝐶𝑐𝑜𝑛𝑐 𝑎
𝑆𝑒𝑡𝑡𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝛼1−𝑐𝑜𝑛𝑐 = 𝜶𝟏 = ′ = 0.68 × (3)
𝒇𝒄 𝒃𝒉 ℎ
𝑀𝑐𝑜𝑛𝑐 𝒉 𝒂 𝟏 𝒂
𝑆𝑒𝑡𝑡𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝛽1−𝑐𝑜𝑛𝑐 = 𝜷𝟏 = ′ 𝟐 = 𝟎. 𝟔𝟖 ( − ) × × (4)
𝒇𝒄 𝒃𝒉 𝟐 𝟐 𝒉 𝒉

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2. Tension Steel Section:

The Internal Tensile force Ts is computed as;

𝑻𝒔 = 𝟎. 𝟔𝟖 𝑨𝒔 𝒇𝒔 (5)
where;
𝑨𝒔 = Area of tensile steel reinforcement
𝒇𝒔 = Computed steel stress in tensile steel
The value of the internal moment 𝑴𝑻 is;
𝒉
𝑴𝑻 = 𝟎. 𝟔𝟖 𝑨𝒔 𝒇𝒔 ( − 𝒅′ ) (6)
𝟐
The 𝜶𝟐 and 𝜷𝟐 values for the tension steel section are calculated as;
𝑇𝑠 0.68 𝐴𝑠 𝑓𝑠 0.68 𝑓𝑠
𝑆𝑒𝑡𝑡𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝜶𝟐 = ′ = = 𝜌2
𝑓𝑐 𝑏ℎ 𝑓𝑐′ 𝑏 ℎ 𝑓𝑐′
𝟎. 𝟔𝟖 𝒇𝒚
𝜶𝟐 = 𝝆 𝟐 (7)
𝒇′𝒄
𝒉
𝑀𝑇 𝑨𝒔 𝒇𝒔 ( − 𝒅′ )
𝟐
𝑆𝑒𝑡𝑡𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝜷𝟐 = ′ 𝟐 = 𝟎. 𝟔𝟖 (8)
𝒇𝒄 𝒃𝒉 𝒇′𝒄 𝒃𝒉𝟐
Substituting the value of 𝛼2 in the Eqn-8;
𝟏 𝒅′
𝜷𝟐 = ( − ) 𝜶𝟐 (9)
𝟐 𝒉
where;
fy = Yield stress of reinforcing steel
𝒅′ = Distance from extreme compression fiber to centroid of reinforcing steel

3. Compression Steel Section:

The Internal compressive force Cs is computed as;

𝑪𝒔 = 𝟎. 𝟖 𝑨′𝒔 𝒇𝒔 ′ (10)
where;
𝑨𝒔 ′ = Area of compression steel reinforcement
𝒇𝒔 ′ = Computed compressive stress in compression steel
The value of the internal moment 𝑴𝑻 is;
𝒉
𝑴𝑻 = 𝟎. 𝟖 𝑨𝒔 ′𝒇𝒔 ′ ( − 𝒅′ ) (11)
𝟐
The 𝜶𝟑 and 𝜷𝟑 values for the compression steel section are calculated as;
𝐶𝑠 0.8 𝐴𝑠 ′𝑓𝑠 ′ 0.8 𝐴𝑠 ′ 𝑓𝑠 ′ 0.8 𝑓𝑠′
𝑆𝑒𝑡𝑡𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝜶𝟑 = ′ = ′
= × ′ = 𝜌3
𝑓𝑐 𝑏ℎ 𝑓𝑐 𝑏 ℎ 𝑏ℎ 𝑓𝑐 𝑓𝑐′
𝟎. 𝟖 𝒇𝒚
𝜶𝟑 = 𝝆 𝟑 (12)
𝒇′𝒄
𝒉
𝑀𝐶𝑠 𝑨𝒔 ′𝒇𝒔 ′ ( − 𝒅′ )
𝟐
𝑆𝑒𝑡𝑡𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝜷𝟑 = ′ 𝟐 = 𝟎. 𝟖 (13)
𝒇𝒄 𝒃𝒉 𝒇′𝒄 𝒃𝒉𝟐
Substituting the value of 𝛼3 in Eqn-13;
𝟏 𝒅′
𝜷𝟑 = ( − ) 𝜶𝟑 (14)
𝟐 𝒉

4. Construction of Interaction Chart:

The column axial load capacity Pc is summation of all internal forces 𝑷𝑵

𝑷𝒄 = ∅𝑷𝑵
where;
𝑷𝑵 = 𝑪𝑪𝒐𝒏 − 𝑻 + 𝑪𝑺 (15)
Therefore,𝜶 = 𝛼1 − 𝛼2 + 𝛼3
𝒂 0.68 𝑓𝑦 0.8 𝑓𝑦
𝛼 = 0.68 × − 𝜌2 ′
+ 𝜌3 (16)
𝒉 𝑓𝑐 𝑓𝑐′
𝑷𝒄 = ∅ 𝜶 𝒃 𝒉 (17)
For the moment capacity, the column moment capacity Mc is summation of all internal moments 𝑴𝑵 .
𝑴𝒄 = ∅𝑴𝑵

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where;
𝑴𝑵 = 𝑴𝑪𝒐𝒏 + 𝑴𝑻 + 𝑴𝑪𝑺 (18)
Therefore 𝜷 = 𝛽1 + 𝛽2 + 𝛽3
ℎ 𝑎 1 𝒂 1 𝑑′ 1 𝑑′
𝛽 = 0.68 ( − ) × × + ( − ) 𝛼2 + ( − ) 𝛼3 (19)
2 2 ℎ 𝒉 2 ℎ 2 ℎ
𝑴𝑪 = ∅ 𝜷𝒃 𝒉𝟐 (20)

Computing the values of 𝜶 and 𝜷 from the above equations (17) and (20).
𝑷𝒄 𝑷𝑵 𝑴𝒄 𝑴𝑵
𝜶= = , 𝜷= =
𝒃𝒉 𝑨𝒈 𝒃𝒉𝟐 𝑨𝒈 𝒉

The value of Gamma (𝜸) for the column interaction chart is computed as;
𝒉 − 𝟐 𝒅′
𝜸= (21)
𝒉
𝒅′
Table 1 describes the values of obtained against different values of 𝜸 which will be used in Eqn. 19.
𝒉

𝒅′
Table 1: Values of 𝜸 vs .
𝒉
Sr. No 𝜸 𝒅`
𝒉
1 0.6 0.2
2 0.7 0.15
3 0.8 0.1
4 0.9 0.05

𝑎
Thus, by successfully assigning different values to and substituting in equations (16) and (19), the (α – β)
ℎ
curve can be constructed (Figure 6).

Figure 6: Column Interaction Diagram (𝜷 − 𝜶) for 𝜸=0.6

2.1 Steps to find the Pc and Mc

The following steps need to be followed to compute the values of Pc and Mc for an economical design.
Step-1: Find the value of 𝜷𝒖 from the moments and the given cross-section.
𝑴𝒖
𝜷𝒖 =
𝑨𝒈 𝒉

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Step-2: Find the value of 𝜶𝒖 from the axial load and the given cross-section.
𝑷𝒖
𝜶𝒖 =
𝑨𝒈
Step-3: Extend a line through point (𝜷𝒖 , 𝜶𝒖 ) from the origin (0,0) to the desired ρ line.
Step-4: Determine the new points (β , α ) on the desired ρ line.
Step-5: Compute 𝑷𝑪 = ∅𝜶𝒃 𝒉 and 𝑴𝑪 = ∅𝜷𝒃 𝒉𝟐
Step-6: Check if the value of 𝑷𝑪 > 𝑃𝑢 and 𝑴𝑪 > 𝑀𝑢 for the design to beacceptable.
Step-7: For economical section, the value of Mc and Pc should be closer to Mu and Pu respectively

III. NUMERICAL EXAMPLES

An example is illustrated to compare the results obtained using the (𝛽 − 𝛼) column interaction charts with the
finite element software.
A square column section of 400 mm x 400 mm with 𝛾 = 0.6, ϕ = 0.7 is loaded externally with an axial
load of Pu =900 kN and with an External moment of Mu = 150 kN-m. The concrete compressive strength and
steel yield strength are 𝑓𝐶 ′ = 30 𝑀𝑃𝑎 and 𝑓𝑦 = 415 𝑀𝑃a respectively.
Determine the column strength Pc and Mc for different reinforcement ratios (ρ =0.01 and ρ=0.04).
Solution:
The values of the Pc and Mc are determined by following the steps 1 to 7 and the values αand
β for (ρ =0.01 and ρ=0.04) are reflected in column interaction diagram Figure 7.

Figure 7: Column Interaction Diagram of square section (400 mm x 400 mm)

The results obtained are also compared with the Finite Element software SP column and are shown in Table 2.

Table 2: Square Column Design

Column Size Steel Reinforcement ratio 𝜷 𝜶 Column Interaction SP Column
(mm x mm) (𝝆) Chart Finite Element
Pc Mc Pc Mc
(kN) (kN-m) (kN) (kN.m)
400 x 400 0.01 3.231 7.9241 888 149 1099 183.31

400 x 400 0.04 5.9816 14.286 1710 285 1708 284

The column interaction diagram for other remaining values of 𝛄= 0.7, 0.8 and 0.9 with 𝐟𝐂′ = 30 Mpa and
𝐟𝐲 =415 MPa are displayed in Figures 8 to 10 respectively.

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Figure 8: Column Interaction Diagram (𝛽 − 𝛼) for 𝛾=0.7

Figure 9: Column Interaction Diagram (𝛽 − 𝛼) for 𝛾=0.8

Figure 10: Column Interaction Diagram (𝛽 − 𝛼) for 𝛾=0.9

Some more examples for the uniaxial columns with different column sizes were also solved using the
(𝛃 − 𝛂) chart and the results obtained were later compared with the Computer Software SP Column. These

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columns are having different reinforcement ratios (ρ)with different values of gamma (γ). The input data for
these columns are given in Table 3.

Table 3: Input data for column design

Column Size 𝒇′𝑪 𝒇𝒚 Pu Mu
Column Identifier
(mm x mm) (MPa) (MPa) (kN) (kN-m)
C1 200 x 400 30 415 300 60
C2 200 x 400 20 300 200 50
C3 300 x 500 30 415 600 150
C4 300 x 500 40 300 800 192
C5 300 x 315 30 415 600 100

The above five (5) columns C1 to C5 were analyzed using the (𝜷 − 𝜶) chart to find the values of Pc
and Mc and these values were compared with the computer software. The results obtained are depicted in Table
4.

Table 4: Column design results

Column Steel γ 𝜷 𝜶 ϕ Column Interaction SP
Identifier ratio Chart Finite Element
(𝝆) Pc Mc Pc Mc
(kN) (kN-m) (kN) (kN-m)
C1 0.01 0.6 3.002 6.0268 0.7 338 67 433 86
C2 0.01 0.7 1.8972 3.01 0.7 106 67 253 63
C3 0.02 0.6 4.2801 8.556 0.65 834 209 1122 280
C4 0.02 0.7 4.6058 9.608 0.7 1009 242 1290 309
C5 0.08 0.6 9.2467 17.435 0.65 1071 180 1171 195

IV. RESULTS AND DISCUSSIONS

The results obtained from the Column interaction charts showed a safe and conservative column design
strength when compared with the results obtained from the finite element software. The column (C5) with a
higher reinforcement ratio (𝜌=8%), also showed promising results with the difference of only 9 % with the
finite element software. The bar charts in Figure 11 and 12 compares the values of Pc and Mc for the selected
columns (C1 to C5) respectively.

A X I A L L O A D C A P A C I T Y ( P C)
Interaction Charts
1500
SP-Column
AXIAL LOAD (KN)

1000

500

0
C1 C2 C3 C4 C5
Figure 11: Axial Load capacity comparison (C1-C5)

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M O M E N T C A P A C I T Y ( M C)
500
Interaction Charts

400
Sp-Column
Moments (kN-m)

300

200

100

0
C1 C2 C3 C4 C5
Figure 12: Moment capacity comparison (C1-C5)

V. CONCLUSION:
In the present work, an analytical model is derived for the hand computation of (𝛽 − 𝛼) interaction
diagram of reinforced concrete column design. The charts with the different gamma values (𝛾 = 0.6, 0.7, 0.8
and 0.9), having different reinforcement ratios were formulated. Moreover, the charts for any desired value of
gamma such as 6.5, 7.2 etc; can also be generated using the steps mentioned in this study to find the required
values of Pc and Mc respectively. This study derives the interaction charts having the 𝑓𝐶′ = 30 MPa and fy = 415
MPa but is not limited to these parameters. The charts can also be updated based on the required concrete
compressive strength (𝑓𝐶′ ) and steel yield stress (𝑓𝑦 ).
Several numerical examples of RC column design were analyzed by using the developed column
interaction charts having different gamma values (γ) with different symmetrical reinforcement layout that have
different reinforcement ratios (𝝆). The analytical results obtained from these interaction charts are compared
with the finite element software (SP-Column). The results obtained are in close agreement with the finite
element method. The average variation of analytically computed values to the finite element software was not
more than 10% which shows relatively satisfactory results.
Therefore, the developed interaction charts can help in finding the required Pc and Mc for the preliminary
design of reinforced uniaxial concrete columns with symmetrical reinforcement layout.

REFERENCES
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[3] Interaction Diagram- Tied Reinforced Concrete Columns”, [online] 2018,“https://www.structurepoint.org/pdfs/Interaction-
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[4] M.Y.Rafiqa and C. Southcombea, “Genetic algorithms in optimal design and detailingof reinforced concrete biaxial columns
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[5] J. A. Rodriguez and J. Dario Aristizabal-Ochoa, “Biaxial Interaction Diagrams for ShortRC Columns of Any Cross Section”, ASCE
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[7] Zhenhai Guo, “Principles of Reinforced Concrete”, Butterworth-Heinemann, (2014).
[8] N. Subramanian, “Design of Reinforced Concrete Structures”, Oxford University Press, (2014).
[9] SP Column v5.10, “Design and Investigation of Reinforced Concrete Column Sections”. 5420 Old Orchard Rd Skokie, IL 60077,
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[11] James G. MacGregor and James K. Wight, “Reinforced Concrete: Mechanics andDesign”, Prentice Hall, 6th Edition, (2011).

Mohammed S. Al-Ansari" Simplified Uniaxial Column Interaction Charts" American Journal of

Engineering Research (AJER), vol.8, no.04, 2019, pp.241-249

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